[Metropropolis]

My doctor has informed me that my "Sprained" thumb is actually OsteoArthritis,
caused by the destruction of the cartlidge at the base of my thumb.

It's quite a surprise as I've taken many other injuries, and have always healed well... but this one doesn't get better.

I've since discovered that tightening/opening honey-jar lids REALLY aggravates this, suggesting this is the cause.

The condition is manageable, but my honey-bottling days are over.

Are there any tools/devices that can help with this?

 

[missybee]

Both of my thumb joints are wrecked and finger joints, the slight wrong movement can bring me to my knees when flared up. One my hubbies docs said to try

https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaren-Topical-Arthritis-Relief-Ounce/dp/B084ZMMVQS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=E4V9HMB5XPH1&dchild=1&keywords=voltaren+gel+extra+strength+arthritis+cream&qid=1609244246&sprefix=vol%2Caps%2C362&sr=8-2

Costco , here, sells it a bit cheaper. I use at night lets me sleep ow hand pain keeps me awake.

I keep a small channel lock around to open and shut items. I can not even open bottles of water etc.

https://smile.amazon.com/Channellock-2-Inch-12-Inch-Tongue-Groove/dp/B000189GSI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24YZV5CDGLJF&dchild=1&keywords=channel+locks+plier+set&qid=1609244478&sprefix=channel+%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

Darn osteo only gets worse, had to have my wedding ring cut off due to swollen joints.

 

[crofter]

Both of my thumb joints are wrecked and finger joints, the slight wrong movement can bring me to my knees when flared up. One my hubbies docs said to try

https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaren-Topical-Arthritis-Relief-Ounce/dp/B084ZMMVQS/ref=sr_1_2?crid=E4V9HMB5XPH1&dchild=1&keywords=voltaren+gel+extra+strength+arthritis+cream&qid=1609244246&sprefix=vol%2Caps%2C362&sr=8-2

Costco , here, sells it a bit cheaper. I use at night lets me sleep ow hand pain keeps me awake.

I keep a small channel lock around to open and shut items. I can not even open bottles of water etc.

https://smile.amazon.com/Channellock-2-Inch-12-Inch-Tongue-Groove/dp/B000189GSI/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24YZV5CDGLJF&dchild=1&keywords=channel+locks+plier+set&qid=1609244478&sprefix=channel+%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1

Darn osteo only gets worse, had to have my wedding ring cut off due to swollen joints.

My doctor has informed me that my "Sprained" thumb is actually OsteoArthritis,
caused by the destruction of the cartlidge at the base of my thumb.

It's quite a surprise as I've taken many other injuries, and have always healed well... but this one doesn't get better.

I've since discovered that tightening/opening honey-jar lids REALLY aggravates this, suggesting this is the cause.

The condition is manageable, but my honey-bottling days are over.

Are there any tools/devices that can help with this?

Your doctor is most likely entirely correct but another situation could be responsible that has treatment and usually good results. Commonly called "trigger finger", technically " stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis)", which is swelling of the closing tendon and pulley surfaces. I have had surgery with good results on both thumbs and 3 fingers. Presently rather crippled by it in right index finger. Covid restrictions is putting off surgery. Cortisone shots into the inflamed tissues gives relief for a couple of months but not recommended beyond the second time.

 

[Tigger19687]

I like Ben Gay for at night, yes I actually LOVE the smell (I'm warped). Works very well on my thumbs that had one surgery for Trigger thumb, other has not had surgery yet as it's not as bad but Ben Gay works for me.
Also know that mind over matter IS a thing, no matter what you are taking if you think it will/won't work, that is what happens.
Bengay: Original contains 18.3% methyl salicylate and 16% menthol. Bengay: Muscle Pain/Ultra Strength contains 30% methyl salicylate, 10% menthol, and 4% camphor. Bengay: Ice Extra Strength contains 10% menthol. Bengay: Muscle Pain/No Odor contains 15% triethanolamine salicylate.
Voltaren is an NSAID and there is a warning label for that.

Good reading on Pain relief creams and ointments from Harvard.

Rubbing it in - Harvard Health

Topical pain-relief products provide quick relief for sore muscles and joints, but they vary in effectiveness. People whose stomachs are sensitive to oral pain relief medications may prefer to use ...

www.health.harvard.edu

Forgot to add, try a jar opener like this one https://www.amazon.com/MEYUEWAL-Chi...8&sr=1-1-22d05c05-1231-4126-b7c4-3e7a9c0027d0

 

[Tigger19687]

Crofter, I had the shot in both thumbs first, just to get me by but all it really did was engorge my tendon sheath and made one (the surgery one) more painful. I am in the medical field so was really hoping this would help as it had helped so many of the Orthopedic patients I had come through our office.
Trigger finger sucks

 

[Tigger19687]

OH forgot, they have little electric jar openers too. Wonder if they close them as well.

 

[missybee]

Voltaren is an NSAID and there is a warning label for that.

I have tried a whole bunch of pain creams, including ones with CBD, Voltaren is the first to work for me. I only use it once a day, at night, and only use about 1/2 the one dose. They say you can use it four times a day, in larger amounts.

So pretty safe for me and I don't take any NSAID.

 

[beemandan]

I have a very similar thumb pain. It doesn’t take much for it to flare up.
I’m pretty sure mine has been injured when I was separating supers from hives with a hive tool. I push the hive tool into the crevice between boxes and on occasion it resists and I push harder and wham!!!
Nowadays it only take a slight bump to set it off.

 

[crofter]

I have a very similar thumb pain. It doesn’t take much for it to flare up.
I’m pretty sure mine has been injured when I was separating supers from hives with a hive tool. I push the hive tool into the crevice between boxes and on occasion it resists and I push harder and wham!!!
Nowadays it only take a slight bump to set it off.

We are paying today for some of the chest thumping things we did back in the day. Thought I was tough, but now I am tough like old chicken is tough!

 

[beemandan]

We are paying today for some of the chest thumping things we did back in the day.
As the old Chinese proverb goes…..’too soon old….too late smart’

 

[massbee]

Have you considered seeing a hand therapist? An OT with a hand therapy certification might be able to help you with this.

 

[JWPalmer]

Alveve and ethanol = a good night's sleep. Sucks getting old.

 

[missybee]

Alveve and ethanol = a good night's sleep. Sucks getting old.

But you know it is better than pushing up daisies! Getting old is a privilege, luckily so far I have decent health!

The Voltraen allows me to sleep for the first time in years. .The doc I spoke to told me not to go searching for a cure, but to take anti inflammatory and try the Voltaren. I live on tumeric, the liquid tumeric they sale helps me a lot. Been using for years now.
I buy at costco when they have their sales on it.

https://smile.amazon.com/Turmeric-Curcumin-Qunol-Bioperine-Supplement/dp/B079T64N8K/ref=sr_1_26?crid=2SH349P6YYS8X&dchild=1&keywords=tumeric+curcumin+supplement&qid=1609330874&sprefix=tumeric%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-26

The Voltaren is the first one that has actually given me relief at night. I usually stayed up rubbing my hands they ached constantly, until to tired to keep eyes open.
During the day I ignore the issues, mind over pain. If flamed up I can't even type on the lappy, so I don't lol

 

[Tigger19687]

Just think what all these Cell Jockeys will be dealing with when they get old.
hahahahhaha and they think they have the world by the ....

 

[Jack Grimshaw]

I can picture a jig with a"V" or a "U" ,made from wood or metal, lined with a "grippy" material that would grip the cap and hold it while you turn the jar.
The problem with a cap is gripping it,not the actual turning.

I have arthritis in my thumbs from years of chainsaw use.I solved my bottling issues by talking my wife into doing it.Of course she gets to keep all the cash from sales!

 

[Metropropolis]

Thank you everyone for your medical and pain management tips.

I'm well taken care of in this regard, and my pain is tolerable.

More significant is that I've lost function, and will require a device/tool to screw lids on for me.

Using channel locks would certainly help for a few jars, but may not work at a larger scale due to increased time/effort.

 

[massbee]

Thank you everyone for your medical and pain management tips.

I'm well taken care of in this regard, and my pain is tolerable.

More significant is that I've lost function, and will require a device/tool to screw lids on for me.

Using channel locks would certainly help for a few jars, but may not work at a larger scale due to increased time/effort.

Might be time to hire a helper

 

[missybee]

Might be time to hire a helper

My hubby has to open anything with a lid now for me. With osteo you also lose grip strength. I do keep pliers etc in the kitchen in case he is not around. It sucks, but is all that wrong with me at this time so tolerable.

 

[Tigger19687]

My hubby has to open anything with a lid now for me. With osteo you also lose grip strength. I do keep pliers etc in the kitchen in case he is not around. It sucks, but is all that wrong with me at this time so tolerable.

Did you know that most Kitchen scissors can open a soda bottle size cap? There is usually a space between the grips.
I never knew this until someone did it a couple years ago. And I am NO spring chicken ! lol

 

[JWPalmer]

And I am NO spring chicken! lol

If the numbers in your screen name are year and month of birth, ya ain't no old hen either!